DR Congo Strips Ex-Leader of Immunity Over Treason Charges

The Democratic Republic of Congo‘s senate has voted to strip former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity, paving the way for his prosecution over alleged backing of rebels in the east. The decision was made after nearly 90 senators voted in favor of his treason prosecution, with five opposing it. “The senate authorizes the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunity,” declared senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.

Kabila, 53, has not commented on the accusations but has previously denied any connection with the insurgents. The authorities have accused him of treason and war crimes, citing a “substantial body of documents, testimony and material facts” linking Kabila to the M23 armed group, which has taken control of several towns in the mineral-rich east.

The former president, who led the country between 2001 and 2019, did not appear before the senate to defend himself. After stepping down, he was given the title of “senator for life,” which grants him legal immunity. However, the senate’s decision now allows for his prosecution. Justice Minister Mutamba has ordered the seizure of Kabila’s assets and called for him to return to the country and “face justice… and present his defense.”

Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), has termed his prosecution “pure theatre” aimed at distracting Congolese people from the main challenges facing the country. The party’s stance comes after the authorities banned the PPRD due to its “ambiguous attitude” towards the occupation of Congolese territory by the M23.

Analysts warn that any trial of Kabila could further destabilize the country, which has been battling the M23 rebellion since 2012. Kabila has been living outside the country, in South Africa, for the past two years but recently announced his intention to return and help find a solution to the conflict in the east.